Guilty plea in $380 million Ponzi scheme, feds say
A financial adviser in Georgia, Todd Burkhalter, has pleaded guilty in a Ponzi scheme that bilked more than 2,000 people out of $380 million, federal authorities say.
Ponzi Scheme
RadioShack buyers ran a Ponzi scheme, SEC alleges
The buyers of distressed brick-and-mortar companies like RadioShack and Modell's Sporting Goods, are accused of running a Ponzi scheme.
Retired IRS agent gets 12 years for scamming elderly California woman out of life savings
A retired IRS agent from Southern California has been sentenced to state prison after she was convicted of defrauding an elderly San Francisco Bay Area woman out of $1 million in life savings.
Bernie Madoff's victims to get additional $158 million in restitution
Nearly 25,000 of the victims in Madoff's Ponzi scheme will see restitution through the Madoff Victim Fund.
California man sentenced in cow manure Ponzi scheme
After his arrest, Ray Brewer claimed he saved several soldiers from a fire while serving in the Navy, but later admitted, "these were both lies meant to curry favor with law enforcement."
2/9: Red and Blue
George Santos' work for firm accused of Ponzi scheme drew scrutiny; 2024 GOP presidential field begins to take shape.
Investigating Rep. George Santos' past
A new CBS Reports documentary explores Congressman George Santos' history of lies and his past involvement in a company accused in an alleged Ponzi scheme. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns discusses "Campaign of Deceit: The Election of George Santos" with Anne-Marie Green and Seth Doane.
2009: The man who knew
In 2009, 60 Minutes interviewed Madoff Ponzi scheme whistleblower Harry Markopolos, who said he alerted the Securities and Exchange Commission of Madoff's fraud starting in 2000.
Bernie Madoff's sister and her husband dead in apparent murder-suicide
They were found unresponsive with gunshot wounds in their residence, police say. Madoff wiped out people's fortunes and ruined charities with a massive Ponzi scheme.
Christian radio host gets 3 life prison terms for bilking listeners
"He ruthlessly stole from his clients who trusted him for almost a decade," said the chief of the Tarrant County DA's Elder Financial Fraud team.
The history behind Bobby Bonilla Day
The Mets are sitting atop National League East and enjoying a good return so far on the team's $196 million payroll. But included in that figure is nearly $1.2 million for a player that hasn't stepped to the plate in more than 20 years, and one the team will continue to pay for another 14 years. Here's more on the now-infamous arrangement between an athlete and an owner, and the most notorious Ponzi scheme in history.
Bernie Madoff: How he pulled it off
On April 14, 2021, Bernard Madoff, who burned thousands of investors through an epic Ponzi scheme, died in prison while serving a 150-year prison sentence. Correspondent Jim Axelrod talks with journalist Jim Campbell, author of "Madoff Talks," who maintained a years-long correspondence with the disgraced investor and his family, to learn exactly how Madoff pulled off the largest financial fraud in Wall Street history.
Bernie Madoff: How he pulled it off
Journalist Jim Campbell, author of "Madoff Talks," maintained a years-long correspondence with the disgraced investor to learn exactly how Madoff pulled off the biggest fraud in American financial history.
Book excerpt: "Madoff Talks" by Jim Campbell
The journalist's new book features exclusive interviews with the disgraced investor who built a Ponzi scheme that grew into the largest financial fraud in Wall Street history.
Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff dies in prison at 82
Bernie Madoff, the mastermind of the largest Ponzi scheme in history, died in prison at age 82. He suffered from kidney disease in recent years.
Federal prosecutors allege Shkreli lied and stole to keep his other companies afloat
Pharmaceutical CEO Martin Shkreli who was accused of price gouging is out on bail after his arrest Thursday on unrelated securities fraud charges. Federal prosecutors allege Shkreli lied and stole to keep his other companies afloat. He was already called a symbol of corporate greed after his drug company raised the price of a medicine by more than 5,000 percent. Anthony Mason reports.
Martin Shkreli, the pharmaceutical company CEO who caused a public uproar after drastically raising the price of a life-saving prescription drug, was arrested on Thursday
Martin Shkreli, the pharmaceutical company CEO who caused a public uproar after drastically raising the price of a life-saving prescription drug, was arrested on Thursday. Federal prosecutors accuse Shkreli of running a Ponzi-like scheme to pay off investors at his former hedge fund. Anthony Mason reports.
Stocks surged after the Labor Department announced that the U.S. economy added 211,000 jobs in November
Stocks surged after the Labor Department announced that the U.S. economy added 211,000 jobs in November. Also, the trustee of Bernie Madoff's firm began distributing more money to people swindled in Madoff's Ponzi scheme. Hena Daniels reports on the day's top MoneyWatch headlines.
A French company is showing off a self-driving shuttle bus at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas,
A French company is showing off a self-driving shuttle bus at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It's the first driverless vehicle commercially available in the U.S. With a top speed of 12 miles an hour, the shuttle is intended for college campuses and airport parking lots. That story and more Moneywatch headlines from Wendy Gillette.
Bernie Madoff seeks early release due to end-stage renal disease
Without compassionate release, Madoff's sentence would not end until 2139.
Jeffrey Epstein once worked at firm behind massive Ponzi scheme
"I don't think there was anyone who worked for the company who didn't understand it was a fraud the whole time," a lawyer told CBS News
Bernie Madoff asks Trump for clemency
The perpetrator of the biggest fraud in history is seeking commutation of his 150-year prison sentence, which he is serving in North Carolina
Almanac: Schemer Charles Ponzi
The founding father of financial hijinks, who trapped his investors in a "musical chairs" of fraud, was born on March 3, 1882
Ponzi scheme suspect cast spells, paid $720K for prayers to thwart charges
Six-figure payments for prayers didn't spare Dawn Bennett from a 17-count indictment on fraud charges
Feds charge 3 men after busting $364M Ponzi scheme
Federal prosecutors say the accused ripped off hundreds while spending big on homes, cars and other luxury goods
Live
Iran war's "core strategic objectives are nearing completion," Trump says
Trump says he expects the U.S. war with Iran to end within several weeks despite unrelenting attacks from both sides and Iran's iron grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
Live
Artemis II launches into orbit as NASA begins historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-and-a-half-day mission around the moon and back. Follow live updates.
Trump says Iran war will wrap up "very shortly," but warns of more strikes in coming weeks
President Trump predicted in a prime-time address that the U.S. will complete its military mission in Iran "very shortly," and said U.S. forces have achieved "overwhelming victories," but he did not offer a definitive timeline.
Supreme Court casts doubt on Trump's order to end birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared open to invalidating President Trump's executive order that would end birthright citizenship.
Trump, GOP leaders unveil plan to end DHS shutdown
GOP leaders unveiled a plan to end DHS shutdown, mirroring a framework that the Senate pursued last week before it was quickly batted down by House Republicans.
Federal government appealing order releasing 5-year-old from immigration custody
The federal government may try to send 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos back to detention.
A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
DNC and top Democratic leaders sue Trump over mail-in voting executive order
A coalition of major Democratic groups sued the Trump administration, seeking to strike down an executive order that would exert more federal influence over mail-in voting — including by creating lists of citizens who are eligible to vote.
Exclusive
DHS scraps Noem policy requiring secretary's review of all contracts above $100K
The Noem policy meant the secretary was required to personally sign off on thousands of DHS contracts.
U.S.
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Americans say this is their "magic number" to retire comfortably
Most people fall far short of the savings they say they will need to maintain their standard of living in retirement, data shows.
Ted Bundy's DNA linked to death of Utah teen in 1974, sheriff's office says
Bundy's full DNA profiled was entered into the FBI's national database, giving investigators a shot at solving potential cases linked to Bundy.
How high could oil and gas prices go if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed?
"The scary scenarios are, unfortunately, extremely plausible" if the critical Persian Gulf waterway stays effectively sealed, economist Paul Krugman said.
Trump says Iran war will wrap up "very shortly," but warns of more strikes in coming weeks
President Trump predicted in a prime-time address that the U.S. will complete its military mission in Iran "very shortly," and said U.S. forces have achieved "overwhelming victories," but he did not offer a definitive timeline.
Trump, GOP leaders unveil plan to end DHS shutdown
GOP leaders unveiled a plan to end DHS shutdown, mirroring a framework that the Senate pursued last week before it was quickly batted down by House Republicans.
MoneyWatch
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Americans say this is their "magic number" to retire comfortably
Most people fall far short of the savings they say they will need to maintain their standard of living in retirement, data shows.
How high could oil and gas prices go if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed?
"The scary scenarios are, unfortunately, extremely plausible" if the critical Persian Gulf waterway stays effectively sealed, economist Paul Krugman said.
Elon Musk's SpaceX files confidential initial public offering
The Texas-based company could go public with a valuation of more than $1.75 trillion, making it the largest IPO in history.
Will the Iran war slow U.S. hiring? Economists say risks are rising.
With oil prices rising and hiring already slowing, economists warn the Iran war could further weigh on U.S. job growth.
Hershey says it will shift back to classic Reese's recipe after backlash
Hershey said Wednesday it will use classic recipes for all Reese's products starting next year, after getting criticism for changing the popular treats.
Politics
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DNC and top Democratic leaders sue Trump over mail-in voting executive order
A coalition of major Democratic groups sued the Trump administration, seeking to strike down an executive order that would exert more federal influence over mail-in voting — including by creating lists of citizens who are eligible to vote.
Trump admin. lifts sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's acting president
The Trump administration has lifted sanctions on Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department, as the U.S. seeks to rebuild ties with the Venezuelan government.
Federal government appealing order releasing 5-year-old from immigration custody
The federal government may try to send 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos back to detention.
State Department overhauls Foreign Service Officer Test
The State Department announced Wednesday that it is modifying the Foreign Service Officer Test to reflect the foreign policy goals of the Trump administration.
Trump says Iran war will wrap up "very shortly," but warns of more strikes in coming weeks
President Trump predicted in a prime-time address that the U.S. will complete its military mission in Iran "very shortly," and said U.S. forces have achieved "overwhelming victories," but he did not offer a definitive timeline.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
FDA approves Eli Lilly weight loss pill
The FDA approved a new GLP-1 drug from Eli Lilly. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
State health plan for foster kids threatened 8-year-old's cancer care
North Carolina and other states have insurance plans for kids in foster care, but many doctors did not accept patients on the plans, leaving kids' guardians scrambling to find health care providers.
States pay contractors millions to comply with Trump law to cut Medicaid rolls
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add red tape and restrictions for those seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits. And the costs to update computer systems that determine eligibility for those programs will be steep.
Hockey player diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at 26: "It was surreal"
David Lyon is one of the rising number of young adults to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
World
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Magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Indonesia's Molucca Sea sets off small tsunami
Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 280 million people, sits on major seismic faults and is frequently hit by earthquakes.
Trump admin. lifts sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's acting president
The Trump administration has lifted sanctions on Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department, as the U.S. seeks to rebuild ties with the Venezuelan government.
Trump says Iran war will wrap up "very shortly," but warns of more strikes in coming weeks
President Trump predicted in a prime-time address that the U.S. will complete its military mission in Iran "very shortly," and said U.S. forces have achieved "overwhelming victories," but he did not offer a definitive timeline.
Activist ship's collision with krill trawler called "deliberate attack"
A video shows the moment when the M/V Bandero, operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, steams toward the stern of the fishing vessel.
Exclusive
U.S. commandos in Ecuador for mission targeting alleged narco-terrorists
American commandos joined Ecuadorian troops in a joint mission aimed at dismantling a suspected criminal hub along the country's coast.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Kenan Thompson on new children's book
Actor and comedian Kenan Thompson joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new children's book, "Unfunny Bunny."
Crew that flew Apache helicopters near Kid Rock's house suspended
Kid Rock posted videos of the helicopters hovering by his Nashville home on social media over the weekend. The Army later confirmed the helicopters were on a training mission.
Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement
Taylor Swift is being sued by Las Vegas performer Maren Wade who has accused the superstar of trademark infringement over her latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl." Wade is the creator of the "Confessions of a Showgirl" podcast, which started as a column in 2014.
Sharon Stone talks new season of "Euphoria"
Sharon Stone reflected on her legendary career as she discussed joining the cast of "Euphoria," working with the show's creator, Sam Levinson, and how she has advocated for women in the entertainment industry.
Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement over "The Life of a Showgirl"
A Las Vegas performer has sued Taylor Swift over the title of her hit album "The Life of a Showgirl," alleging it violates the performer's trademark.
Technology
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Technology
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Inside Apple's relationship with China
CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the codependent relationship between Apple and China, a country that manufactures hundreds of millions of iPhones every year.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
Company tries to make flying car of the future
Many have dreamed of a future with flying cars, eliminating traffic on the morning commute. One company is trying to make that dream a reality. Itay Hod reports.
Science
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Live
Artemis II launches into orbit as NASA begins historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-and-a-half-day mission around the moon and back.
Snowy owl, cheetah among 40 species granted international protection
According to a recent report, nearly one in four species catalogued by the CMS are threatened with extinction on a worldwide scale.
Everything to know about NASA's Artemis II moon mission
NASA is poised to launch four astronauts on a historic nine-day trip around the moon and back. Here's everything to know about the Artemis II mission.
Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter level as heat records are shattered worldwide
Arctic sea ice levels are crucial to Earth's climate because, without the ice reflecting sunlight, more heat energy goes into the oceans.
Sharks in Bahamas test positive for caffeine, painkillers, cocaine
Marine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
Crime
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Ted Bundy's DNA linked to death of Utah teen in 1974, sheriff's office says
Bundy's full DNA profiled was entered into the FBI's national database, giving investigators a shot at solving potential cases linked to Bundy.
Baby in stroller killed in apparent stray-bullet shooting in Brooklyn
A child was being pushed in a stroller at Moore and Humboldt streets in East Williamsburg on Wednesday when she suffered a gunshot wound to the head, police said.
Kentucky Powerball winner arrested again
James Farthing, who won the $167.3 million Powerball jackpot last April, was arrested for a third time since collecting his grand prize. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Son of Hawaii doctor testifies at trial
The son of a Maui doctor testified that his father confessed to him over FaceTime to trying to kill his stepmother, Arielle Konig, on a hike last year. Prosecutors allege Gerhardt Konig tried to push his wife off a cliff, attempted to inject her with a syringe and hit her in the head with a rock.
Luigi Mangione lawyers seek to postpone trial
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione, the man charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, are seeking to postpone his federal murder trial. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Space
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Live
Artemis II launches into orbit as NASA begins historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-and-a-half-day mission around the moon and back.
How to watch the Artemis II launch
As launch time approaches for NASA's first moonshot in more than half a century, anticipation is building for the Artemis II mission. Here's how to watch today's liftoff.
Smooth countdown continues for Artemis II moon mission
Forecasters continue to predict an 80% chance of favorable weather on Wednesday for the launch of four astronauts on a flight to the moon.
Countdown begins for long-awaited Artemis II moon mission
Countdown clocks began ticking Monday, setting the stage for launch of the Artemis II moon mission early Wednesday evening.
These 4 astronauts are making history on flight around the moon
NASA's Artemis II astronauts — three space station veterans and a Canadian rookie — stand out even in an astronaut corps full of super achievers.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
Takeaways from Trump's Iran war address
President Trump addressed the nation about the Iran war Wednesday night, saying that the U.S. would complete its mission there "very shortly." CBS News' Ed O'Keefe remarks on the president's remarks and J.D. Simkins, editor-in-chief of the Military Times and Defense News, joins with analysis.
FDA approves Eli Lilly weight loss pill
The FDA approved a new GLP-1 drug from Eli Lilly. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Trump addresses nation on Iran
President Trump addressed the nation Wednesday night about the Iran war. Tony Dokoupil anchored CBS News' special report.
Trump addresses U.S. on Iran war
President Trump sought to assure Americans that the conflict with Iran would be brief compared to other wars in U.S. history and insisted that gas prices would go down quickly. Nancy Cordes reports.